How to Play the Bunker Poker Dice Game

We have an interesting game for you today: Bunker Poker. It’s a game of thinking and strategy and luck—all kinds of fun. And you won’t believe the rating it got form the teenagers! The game is for 2 to 4 players and for ages 8 and up.

We love a good strategy game around here, think Knucklebones, Bank dice and Up Down Safe. But I wasn’t prepared for how much everyone would like this game.

Let’s get to how to play, and the rules of Bunker Poker.

This post may contain affiliate links. I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase using my link.

The Object of Bunker Poker

First, I have to say that I don’t really understand the name of the game as there is no element to poker. The bunker part I can see, but poker…  So every player has a small piece called a kingpin and they get to choose the spot where they hide it. The object of the game is to find the other player’s kingpin and keep yours hidden.

Playing Bunker Poker Dice

To start, you need to set up. For this each player takes a turn hiding their kingpin and then covering it up with discs. When everyone has had their turn, players now place their dice on each of their spots with the six showing up.

Now to start playing, you need to decide who will go first. We like a high dice roll. On your first turn, you will roll the two rolling dice. You now get to choose a player to take points from depending on what you have rolled. One dice will allow you to pick an opponent’s dice of that number and the other dice will show you how many points you take from them. For example, if you roll a 3 and 5 you can choose to take 3 points away from someone’s 5 dice or you can take 5 points away from someone’s 3 dice.

Second Turn

For your second turn, your options will increase. After you roll you can choose to either take points away from an opponent or you can add points to your own dice.

For example, if you roll a 2 and 4 you can
A – take 2 points away from someone’s 4 dice
B – you can take 4 points from someone’s 2 dice
C – you can add 2 points to your 4 dice
D – you can add 2 points to your 4 dice.

There is one more choice you have when it’s not your turn. When someone rolls and before they make their move, you can choose to switch your dice with those numbers. For example, if a 1 and 6 were rolled you can move the dice one your 1 spot to the 6 and the dice on 6 to the 1 spot.

When someone rolls a 6, they can remove someone’s dice of the other number rolled. For example, if you roll a 3 and 6 you can remove someone’s 3 dice or you could take 3 points away from their 6 dice.

You can also remove someone’s dice if the amount of points left on the dice is the same or less then what you rolled. For example, if you rolled a 2 and 4 and someone has 2 points left on their 4 dice, you can remove the dice. After a player’s dice has been removed, they can’t get it back. They can no longer swap the dice either. The next time an opponent chooses that number, the disc that is covering the secret spot is removed.

If you uncover an opponent’s kingpin, they are out of the game.

Winning Bunker Poker

The last player with their kingpin hidden is the winner.

What We Like

First, we love that there is more to this game than straight luck. We love luck games too but it’s a nice change. Second, we like that there is lots of decisions that can affect the outcome of the game—choosing to take away points or add points and the option to switch dice are all good. We also love that it’s a different way to use dice in a game. The time is takes to play is nice too—not too long but long enough.

What We Don’t Like

First, the rules that come with the game are a little confusing. They needed a few more clarifying sentences to make them better. Next, when you’re placing your king pin you can hear where people place it. Maybe you can’t tell exactly where they put their piece but you can hear what side of the board. To fix this, we first close our eyes and then we talk or sing or make some other kind of noise until everyone has their turn. Last, if a player is eliminated early in the game, it’s a bummer for them as they have to sit and watch the rest of the game. It feels a little anti-climactic after being so invested.

The Fun is in the Bunker

The dice game Bunker Poker is a fun, challenging game that players of most ages can play and win. Part luck, part strategy it’s a fun alternative to sticky luck based dice games.

The Bunker Poker game is from 1999 and sadly seems to be out of print. You can look for it in second hand stores like I did or you can look on EBay. You can also see our dice game Hidden Kings–coming soon!

UPDATE: The Hidden Kings game is ready! And it’s just as much fun, if not more, than Bunker Poker! Check it out here!

If you’re looking for more fun with dice check out our Dice Sticks game, Bank Dice and Knucklebones. Be sure to visit our Family Game Shelf shop for tones of fun games including our Wacky Putt mini golf dice game!

Rating: